Phil Neville returns to Manchester United after eight years

Phil Neville has been appointed first-team coach by Manchester United following talks with the new manager, David Moyes, yesterday.

The former Old Trafford defender, who more recently played under Moyes at Everton, arrived at United's Carrington training base for talk yesterday morning and becomes the latest in a series of backroom appointments alongside Ryan Giggs and four former Everton colleagues in Chris Woods, Steve Round, Robbie Cooke and Jimmy Lumsden.

Moyes told United’s website: “I have known and worked with Philip for eight years and, in that time, I have come to know his dedication, ability to lead and appetite for hard work. In addition, of course, he understands the club very well and I think his addition to the coaching staff will be a valuable one.”

Neville (36) ended his 18-year playing career last month and had been in the frame to replace Moyes as manager at Everton but was overlooked in favour of Roberto Martinez. He made 386 appearances in 11 seasons as a first-team player with United. During that time he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League before leaving to join Everton in 2005, where he overcame some initial scepticism to become a crowd favourite.

Neville has never made any secret of his desire to push forward with a coaching career and this summer was part of Stuart Pearce’s backroom team at the European Under-21 Championship.

He told United’s website: “When I retired from football I knew that I wanted to continue in the game; it’s something that I have been preparing for over the last few years. So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn’t resist. I gave my all when I played for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart. I’ve really enjoyed working with David and his staff as a player and I think that, together with Ryan, we can make a real contribution to Manchester United.”

United have confirmed the death of their former player and coach Jack Crompton at the age of 91. Crompton made 212 appearances for the club and was part of the team that won the 1948 FA Cup and the league title in 1952.

Wigan have signed goalkeeper Scott Carson from the Turkish side Bursaspor. The 27-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at the DW Stadium and becomes the manager Owen Coyle’s fifth signing in a week.

Manchester City are closing in on €20 million Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo after a bid from Atletico Madrid was turned down. The Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido would prefer not to sell to a Spanish rival leaving the way open for City to make their move.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain was last night on the verge of signing for Arsenal for €27 million.
Guardian Service